Lessons learned from the use of virtual reality for occupational safety and health training in Thames Tideway Tunnel

Abstract

New Key Technological Developments (KTD) are leading to a challenging paradigm shift in the way Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is managed in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector. Previous research has shown that these developments have the potential to reduce the risks and costs associated with accidents and occupational diseases at work. This paper reports on a pilot case study covering the implementation of BIM and Virtual Reality for OSH training purposes related to the operation of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The actors involved included designers, BIM/OSH specialists, construction managers, and training staff. The aim of the research was to identify the benefits, barriers and challenges associated with the implementation of these KTD’s in a Joint Venture (JV) organisation delivering part of a complex megaproject in Central London. A tablet-based approach was selected to overcome some of the challenges of implementation identified. The resulting areas of benefits included: better safety in design, improved hazard perception: enhanced risk awareness and increased familiarization prior to working in the hazardous environment of tunnel construction, emergency rescue training, and maintenance training. The main benefits from this are the resulting productivity gains - Tideway estimates that the project could potentially see a 20% reduction in training time, a 10% reduction in accidents and near-misses and significant increases in employee understanding of hazards and risks onsite, which can improve project outcomes significantly. The key lessons learned are the need to keep costs down, the necessity of system portability and ease of access. The results of the study will assist organisations that are interested in the adoption of these KTD’s and provide valuable insights to the wider construction industry. This will enable companies to improve how OSH is managed and promote the uptake of KTD for OSH purposes.